Queen Annali

Queen Annali was the legendary first, and only, queen of Diguardia. It is because of her greatness that the nation has remained a principality for the centuries following her death.

Summary

Queen Annali was said to have grown up in the forests of Western Chaia, in what is now Diguardia. When she was still young, a dragon burned her home to the ground. Annali and her brother Arkyn barely escaped the destruction. The two of them eventually found themselves caught up with the Dragon Slayers. Annali rose within the ranks as she trained, but catapulted to stardom and hero status when she sallied forth to meet and kill Nelrointh. According to legend, as Annali stood over the dragon, blood dripping down her sword, those around her watched in stunned silence. The moment stretched until a single nightingale alighted on Annali's shoulder and began to sing. It was at that moment that those following Annali knew that a new dawn was coming. (It is from this story that the Nightingale organization took their name). Her adviser, Clemens, succeeded her when she passed away, as she had no heir. In the midst of the nation's grief at the passing of their sovereign, Clemens declared that Diguardia would never again have a monarch, as no human could hope to match the light that Annali had been. Instead, Clemens would rule as a prince, placing himself below the great Queen forever. Subsequent rulers have kept this tradition alive, even as the ruling house has changed over the years. At this point in history, if anyone were to call themselves king or queen of Diguardia, they would find themselves instantly at odds with all of the people of the nation.

Historical Basis

Of Annali's early life, there is precious little information. During the Age of Flames there was precious little record-keeping when it came to children. Particularly given that her home was supposedly incinerated by dragon-fire, historians have little hope of uncovering any formal evidence to confirm or deny the legends of her childhood. There are, however, some records of the rest of Annali's life. Once her brother and her reached the Dragon Slayers, historians are able to start finding pieces of the story. Of course, once Annali slew Nelrointh, there are tomes upon tomes that historians have to reference. While this flood of information occasionally gives way to conflicting reports, there is still a basis for understanding the myth of the queen. It is generally accepted that Annali was a real historical figure, that she was a warrior of legendary prowess, that she played a key part in the downfall of the Dragon Kings, and that she ruled Diguardia for many years.

Cultural Reception

The legend of Queen Annali is what defines the Anor people. Within Anorian circles, there is no story more cherished than that of Annali. During the Nesting Festival every spring, it is common practice for Anorian settlements to host plays depicting the Death of Nelrointh, and bards make their spring living telling the tales of Annali.